Jennifer Lawrence, who is currently expecting her second child, opened up about the personal risks and challenges she faced while producing the documentary Bread and Roses, which focuses on the struggles of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The actress co-produced the film alongside Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.
Although Lawrence felt deeply connected to the project, she revealed that her family and friends encouraged her to avoid speaking out publicly about it, given the sensitive nature of the subject and the potential dangers involved. During an appearance on CBS Morning, host Gayle King asked Lawrence if she had any reservations about publicly engaging with such a delicate issue. King inquired, “Did your family and friends encourage you or say, ‘Are you sure you want to step out this way?’”
Lawrence explained, “My family and friends definitely encouraged me not to. It’s dangerous — of course it is. But there are 20 million women whose lives are in danger.”
The actress also addressed the criticism she often receives due to her educational background. In a previous 60 Minutesinterview, Lawrence shared that she had dropped out of middle school, which led some people to question her credibility when discussing serious issues like politics and global human rights. “I did a 60 Minutes interview where I explained that I dropped out of middle school, so I’m technically not educated. And so I think the common [criticism], especially with this subject, is, ‘Why is somebody without an education trying to talk about ‘politics’?’” she said.
Despite the criticism, Lawrence made it clear that the documentary is not about politics but about the urgent human rights issues facing Afghan women. “It’s political in the sense that you should push your congresspeople and you should get involved to make our government more accountable, then the UN can recognize gender apartheid,” she explained. “But I don’t find it political. And also, I am educated in filmmaking. I’m educated in telling stories.”
Bread and Roses, which highlights the harsh realities faced by women in Afghanistan, will debut on Apple TV+ on November 22. Lawrence’s decision to participate in the film, despite the personal risks and public scrutiny, reflects her commitment to raising awareness about these pressing human rights issues.
